Published: Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 8:46 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 8:46 p.m.

More than a school event, a girl's prom can be a rite of passage.

The Cinderella Project offers free gowns and accessories to financially disadvantaged girls who might otherwise not attend formal school events. They can choose from hundreds of gowns from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the former Social Security building at 140 Magnolia Street. The space will be transformed into a “Boutique Setting” where young ladies from Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties can search through racks of gowns, as well as purses, costume jewelry and shoes.

The Spartanburg County Bar Association sponsors the annual event.

Spartanburg attorney Grace Knie has overseen the project six years solely or with 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor Prina Tailor. Donated gowns and accessories can be dropped off at Knie's law office at 250 Magnolia Street.

They had collected about 500 gowns as of Tuesday.

Knie said the project is made possible by community donations, volunteerism and charity.

Bar members, Carolina Traditions, The Castle, Converse College, Spartanburg Community College and Spartanburg Junior League provide a lot of support, Knie said.

“It's a fun way to recycle dresses … You can clean out your closet and do a good thing.”

Gowns are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Girls need their student ID cards to participate.

They can learn self-defense techniques from Spartanburg City Public Safety officers in the waiting area.

Free parking will be available across the street at the Magnolia Street parking garage.

Knie said at least 800 young ladies have received dresses through the program in the last six years.

Gowns also are provided to the Charles Lea Center and some nursing homes that hold formal events.

<p>More than a school event, a girl's prom can be a rite of passage.</p><p>The Cinderella Project offers free gowns and accessories to financially disadvantaged girls who might otherwise not attend formal school events. They can choose from hundreds of gowns from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the former Social Security building at 140 Magnolia Street. The space will be transformed into a “Boutique Setting” where young ladies from Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties can search through racks of gowns, as well as purses, costume jewelry and shoes.</p><p>The Spartanburg County Bar Association sponsors the annual event.</p><p>Spartanburg attorney Grace Knie has overseen the project six years solely or with 7th Circuit Assistant Solicitor Prina Tailor. Donated gowns and accessories can be dropped off at Knie's law office at 250 Magnolia Street.</p><p>They had collected about 500 gowns as of Tuesday.</p><p>Knie said the project is made possible by community donations, volunteerism and charity.</p><p>Bar members, Carolina Traditions, The Castle, Converse College, Spartanburg Community College and Spartanburg Junior League provide a lot of support, Knie said.</p><p>“It's a fun way to recycle dresses … You can clean out your closet and do a good thing.”</p><p>Gowns are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Girls need their student ID cards to participate.</p><p>They can learn self-defense techniques from Spartanburg City Public Safety officers in the waiting area.</p><p>Free parking will be available across the street at the Magnolia Street parking garage.</p><p>Knie said at least 800 young ladies have received dresses through the program in the last six years.</p><p>Gowns also are provided to the Charles Lea Center and some nursing homes that hold formal events.</p>